Food & Farm News
Issue date: » November 11, 2009 «
Irrigation water supplies still uncertain 
Even though legislation to upgrade the state's water system has been passed, farmers remain uncertain about water supplies for next year. Farmers are seeking loans to plant crops for next season without knowing how much irrigation water they may be able to buy. Even with above average rainfall, one large water supplier indicates it would only be able to provide 40 percent of growers' allotments because of regulatory restrictions. Farmers plan to again fallow land and not plant crops for which water may not be available.
Turkey meal preparation advice available
There will be plenty of turkeys for consumers this Thanksgiving, according to the California Poultry Federation. However, the organization recommends people order fresh turkeys from retailers 7 to 10 days before they want it to make certain they get the bird they want. For consumers who need timely tips on preparing the perfect holiday meal, the federation provides information on its Web site. The average Californian eats 20 pounds of turkey each year.
California grown citrus now available
Consumers should be finding California grown navel oranges in retail stores soon. Farmers started harvest about three weeks ago and heavy shipments to retailers have started. California Citrus Mutual calls quality and color very good, with high sugar content. Mandarin orange growers are also shipping from California orchards. The crop volume is reported as a little larger than last year. California navel oranges and mandarins should be available through next June.
Kiwifruit production rebounds
It's a recovery year for California kiwifruit, and people will find good supplies this season. The California Kiwifruit Commission says the crop is in line with average production, after a short crop last season. Not only is it a good size crop, but quality is excellent. November is traditionally one of the largest sales months for the California fruit. Farmers say they expect less competition from imported fruit, in part because currency exchange rates have made it more expensive.
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